If you’re searching for a cozy, irresistible treat that fills your kitchen with warmth, this Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe is pure magic. Imagine a tender, moist crumb layered generously with fragrant cinnamon sugar and crunchy walnuts, baked to golden perfection in a classic Bundt pan. It’s the perfect way to start your morning or elevate your afternoon coffee break with a slice of comfort and a burst of nutty sweetness in every bite. Trust me, once you try this Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet work together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness that defines this classic Bundt coffee cake. Each one brings something essential to the table—whether it’s the creamy moisture from sour cream or the crunchy texture from walnuts, every component counts.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb for the cake.
- White sugar (2 ¾ cups, divided): Sweetens the cake and forms the cinnamon sugar layer for that classic swirl.
- Eggs (4, room temperature): Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation that gives the cake its body and rise.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Works with baking soda to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and prevents it from becoming dense.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts the other flavors.
- Full-fat sour cream (2 cups): Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a slight tang.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Infuses the cake with that warm, spicy flavor we all love.
- Chopped walnuts (½ cup): Provide a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty taste.
How to Make Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking—this step makes removing your beautiful cake so much easier. In a small bowl, mix together ¾ cup of white sugar, the ground cinnamon, and the chopped walnuts. This mixture will become the irresistible filling that makes every bite special.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with 2 cups of white sugar until the blend is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, giving your cake a lovely lift and a tender crumb. It’s a satisfying step that sets the foundation for a cake that’s anything but ordinary.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract as the final flavor enhancer here—it brings such warmth and depth that makes the Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe utterly enchanting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Incorporate this mixture alternately with the sour cream into the creamed butter and sugar bowl. This technique helps maintain the batter’s airiness while ensuring the sour cream evenly enriches the texture, making every forkful melt deliciously on your tongue.
Step 5: Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar in the Pan
Spoon about one-third of the batter into your prepared Bundt pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a layer of one-third of the cinnamon sugar and walnut mixture over the batter. Repeat these layers two more times—you’ll create those eye-catching swirls packed with cinnamon sugar and crunchy nuts that define this recipe.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Done
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and that golden crust will signal the cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely—this gives you perfect slices and a gorgeous presentation.
How to Serve Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your Bundt coffee cake instantly, giving it an elegant finish without overpowering the flavors. If you want to indulge further, a light glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk or cream drizzled over the top adds just the right amount of sweetness and shine.
Side Dishes
This Bundt Coffee Cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect companion for breakfast or afternoon tea time. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries, adds a refreshing, juicy contrast that balances the cake’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts on top. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter at brunches or gatherings. Its beautiful cinnamon swirl makes every slice a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Bundt coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Stored at room temperature, it will stay delicious for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to extend the cake’s life or prepare ahead, wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze. It keeps well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked warmth, or pop the entire cake in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes. This will refresh the texture without drying it out, bringing back that soft, tender crumb we all love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut in this Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts offer a wonderful texture and flavor, pecans or almonds can be great substitutes that also complement the cinnamon sugar beautifully. Just be sure to chop them roughly to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream is key for moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness; however, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed. Just keep the quantities the same for best results.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Use dairy-free butter substitutes and a plant-based sour cream or yogurt alternative. These swaps will slightly alter the texture but still yield a tasty coffee cake.
How do I know when the Bundt coffee cake is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick near the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent it from collapsing.
Can I halve this Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe?
You can, but keep in mind that baking times will change. Using a smaller pan will reduce baking time significantly, so start checking for doneness around 35 to 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe is truly one of those timeless treats that brings people together. Its buttery, tender crumb combined with spicy cinnamon and crunchy walnuts creates a comforting experience that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it hard to resist going back for one more slice!
Print
Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Sugar and Walnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Bundt Coffee Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring layers of cinnamon sugar and crunchy walnuts, all baked to perfection in a classic Bundt pan. The use of sour cream ensures a tender crumb, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee break.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 ¾ cups white sugar, divided
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups full-fat sour cream
Cinnamon Sugar Walnut Layer
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¾ cup white sugar (for the cinnamon sugar mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or Bundt pan thoroughly, then set it aside to be ready for the batter.
- Make cinnamon sugar walnut mixture: In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of white sugar with the ground cinnamon and chopped walnuts. Mix well and set aside for layering.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with 2 cups of white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leaveners and seasoning.
- Mix batter: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to maintain cake tenderness.
- Assemble layers in pan: Spoon one-third of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, then sprinkle one-third of the cinnamon sugar walnut mixture on top. Repeat this process two more times, creating three layers of batter separated by cinnamon sugar walnut layers.
- Bake the coffee cake: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, flip the cake out carefully onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and cake texture.
- To prevent sticking, grease the Bundt pan thoroughly and dust with flour before adding batter.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Store leftover cake wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American